Kevin's Digital Week 17: Comic (But Serious) Docs

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Parent Category: Film and the Arts

Category: Reviews

Published on Saturday, 20 March 2010 05:00

Written by Kevin Filipski

Blu-Ray of the Week

Capitalism: A Love Story
(Anchor Bay)

In Michael Moore’s latest cinematic screed, the entire economic system of the United States is on trial and, if Moore’s thesis is chosen more by his heart than his head--junking capitalism seems a knee-jerk reaction--he makes relevant points along the way. As always, Moore gives valuable face-time to unfortunate victims of the latest Wall Street fiasco, and these intimate character sketches are the most compelling parts of the movie. And when he brings in his retired father to reminisce about working at the auto plant in his hometown of Flint, Michigan, Capitalism: A Love Story becomes quite touching.

But his film will ultimately be remembered for its stunts, like putting yellow crime scene tape around the responsible (or irresponsible) firms’ Manhattan headquarters, which reinforce Moore’s rep as a prankster. On Blu-ray, the movie looks vibrant if visually underwhelming. Extras include additional interviews and sequences, along with Jimmy Carter‘s infamous 1979 speech about the economy that Moore references in the film.

DVD of the Week
Good Hair
(LionsGate)
Chris Rock’s documentary about the impact on the black community of the ongoing quest to have “good hair” is as explosively funny as the shorts he used to do on his old HBO show -- but there's an underlying seriousness that keeps the discussion from ever turning frivolous. Not only does Rock interview celebrities (Maya Angelou, Ice-T, Nia Long, Eve, Salt-n-Pepa) about their attempts to deal with naturally “nappy” hair, but he also explores the multi-million dollar industry that has grown up around products that help black women “relax” their hair to make it palatable for both themselves and others.

Some of the most insightful moments come when Rock talks with ordinary men and women in beauty salons and barber shops, as we hear off-the-cuff, revealing remarks about this unique phenomenon, pro and con. The lone extra is a sidesplitting riff of an audio commentary by Rock, with producer Nelson George.

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